A Russian citizen, who was on the international wanted list, was detained by police in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on April 5, 2025. According to law enforcement officials, the man is wanted in Russia on suspicion of committing fraud on an especially large scale, with damages reported to be around 23 million rubles, equivalent to approximately 120 million tenge, as reported by Astana TV.
The arrest was made by the anti-extremism department of the Almaty police after they received information regarding the possible location of the wanted individual. As stated by Askat Dauletiyarov, the head of the anti-extremism department, the coordinated efforts of various police units in Almaty led to the apprehension of the suspect. Currently, he has been placed in a temporary detention facility, and extradition proceedings have been initiated against him.
This case is part of a broader initiative by Kazakh authorities to enhance international cooperation and information exchange with law enforcement agencies from other countries. The police emphasized that their work in identifying and detaining individuals evading justice continues.
In addition to the arrest of the Russian citizen, the police in Almaty recently detained three other foreigners during a separate operation. In a rented apartment, officers discovered and seized six SIM boxes and 5,000 SIM cards, which are often used in fraudulent activities. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and fraud in the region.
In another related case, authorities in Petropavlovsk detained a foreign citizen who was wanted for allegedly organizing an underground routing of calls for fraudulent purposes. These arrests underscore the commitment of Kazakh law enforcement to address serious crimes that cross international borders.
The Russian citizen’s arrest follows a pattern of increasing collaboration between Kazakhstan and Russia in tackling organized crime. The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia had initiated the search for the suspect, who is believed to be a part of an organized criminal group responsible for significant financial fraud.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this case will impact ongoing discussions about crime and security in the region. The cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia may set a precedent for future cross-border law enforcement actions.
In summary, the apprehension of the Russian citizen in Almaty not only illustrates the effectiveness of international law enforcement collaboration but also raises questions about the broader implications for organized crime in Central Asia. As authorities continue to work together, the hope is that such efforts will deter further criminal activities and ensure justice is served.
